Nature Learning in the State Capital

The University of Wisconsin Arboretum is an educational and enjoyable experience. The Visitors Center offers a guide for how a guests should approach the exhibits of the building. There are maps and other literature that will guide you on a natural journey that makes sense. You can also view the various exhibits and visit the bookstore. Guests are invited to tour the Arboretum solo or you can schedule a guided tour. On Sunday, visitors can walk free through the Arboretum. There is also a free walk each month. These public walks allow visitors to become comfortable with the environment and at the end you will have the ability to identify a few plants and animals. You will also receive a brief explanation for various ecological concepts.

The Arboretum is made up of a variety of distinct ecological communities. There are a variety of horticulture collections, historic artifacts, and effigy mounds. Outdoors are more than 20 miles worth of trails that include footpaths, fire lanes, and boardwalks. These trails are available throughout the year. Obviously, Wisconsin winters have a tendency to be uncomfortably cold, but there are time when the snow has fallen and the area is comfortable and breathtaking. Guests are encouraged to use caution in icy areas.

Wildflowers grow on the edge of the trails, so to protect the environment, guests are required to walk only on the trails. Because there is ongoing research at the Arboretum, you may be destroying an ecosystem or interfering with a study if you go out of bounds.

A variety of parking and bike racks are available for those visiting this location. There are also a variety of recreational opportunities on the grounds. Art and photography is popular in the natural environment. Both professionals and hobbyists enjoy photographing the wildlife, the plantlife, and the natural surroundings. Bikers and joggers enjoy working out in this peaceful, natural area. There are four miles of paved roades that run through woodlands and wetlands. Just as popular as jogging, hiking and walking occurs on the regular basis in the Arboretum. Guests are asked to face traffic and walk in a single file fashion. Bird watching, leaf peeping, and flower gazing are also popular past times in this area. Finally, winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing is allowed in many areas of the park.

Visitors to the Arboretum are asked to follow a few rules. Bikes and cars must stay on paved pathways. Pets are not allowed on the Arboretum grounds or any of the roads that run through it. Skates are not allowed anywhere in the facility. Guests are not allowed to picnic, build fires, hunt, or disturb animals. While this is an inviting natural environment, people are not permitted to behave as they would camping or if they were visting a state park. Nothing can be removed from the environment. Finally, games, radios, and excessive noise is not allowed. This is intended to be a peaceful environment, created for the purposes of studying, enjoying, and understanding nature. Visitors who have a respect for plantlife and natural environments will appreciate a visit to the UW Arboretum.